Healthcare Tucson, AZ Pop. 542,629

Registered Nurse Salary in Tucson, Arizona

The median registered nurse salary in Tucson, AZ is $75,535 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 4.1% below the Arizona state average.

City Median
$75,535
vs State Avg
$-3,248
vs National
$-5,685
Cost of Living
93%

Registered Nurse Pay in Tucson: What to Expect (2026)

Tucson offers a median registered nurse salary of $75,535, which is $3,248 below the Arizona state average of $78,783. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Tucson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Tucson's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for registered nurses in Tucson spans from $53,382 at the 10th percentile to $112,344 at the 90th percentile — a $58,962 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,940, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $106,950. As a major metro area with a population of 542,629, Tucson typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Registered Nurse Salary in Tucson by Experience

In Tucson, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $53,940, while experienced professionals earn up to $106,950 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,940
$-4,060 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,260
$-5,740 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$106,950
$-8,050 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tucson, AZ

Percentile Tucson
10th Percentile $53,382
25th Percentile $62,124
Median (50th) $75,535
75th Percentile $94,023
90th Percentile $112,344

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Arizona Cities

Scottsdale, AZ
$90,966
Pop. 241,361
Chandler, AZ
$82,844
Pop. 275,987
Phoenix, AZ
$81,220
Pop. 1,608,139
Mesa, AZ
$78,783
Pop. 504,258

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Tucson

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Tucson and the surrounding Arizona area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Tucson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Tucson

Browse open registered nurse positions in Tucson, AZ:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Tucson

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Tucson, AZ? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Tucson, Arizona is $75,535 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $53,382 (10th percentile) to $112,344 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Tucson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,535, a registered nurse in Tucson earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tucson compare to the Arizona state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Tucson's median registered nurse salary of $75,535 is 4.1% below the Arizona state average of $78,783. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tucson, AZ? ▼
Tucson has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $75,535 in Tucson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Tucson? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Tucson require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.